2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

For the dyed-in-the-wool Toyota 4Runner fans, here’s all the important information you need to know about the 2014 version: The word “new” appears in 16 instances throughout the midsize SUV’s eight-page, introductory press release, but it doesn’t show up anywhere in the 1.5 pages dedicated to the engine, chassis, and drivetrain. Which, if you can believe it, will be good news for the 4Runner devotees who uses their ‘utes for serious 4Running, off-road activities. For that group, the fewer mechanical surprises, the better.

For those of us whose job or hobby it is to gripe about all things automotive, here are the facts. The 2014 4Runner continues with body-on-frame construction and is powered by a 270-hp, 4.0-liter V-6. A five-speed automatic matches to the engine with a choice of rear-wheel, all-wheel, or four-wheel drive. Control arms suspend the front corners and a four-link rigid axle handles the rear wheels (coil springs all around, of course). The long-standing SR5 trim name retains its entry-level position. The midlevel, 4WD Trail edition soldiers on with Multi-Terrain Select, low-range crawl modulation, and the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The topline 4Runner Limited takes on greater passenger-coddling responsibilities with its X-REAS self-adjusting suspension and longer list of comfort and convenience features. An available third row enables a seven-passenger seating claim.

It all sounds too familiar, right? Our presumption for the familiarity: In 2010, Toyota announced it would offer a 157-hp, 2.7-liter four-cylinder in the then-new, fifth-generation RWD SR5 (with a four-speed auto). It got exactly 1 more city mpg in the EPA ratings than the comparable V-6 model. And see how long that lasted.

So what exactly is new about the 4Runner? Let’s go through those 16 “new” points.

3. “The Trail grade features new color-keyed bumpers and overfenders…”

Just when we had gotten used to the black ones.

4. “In addition to the distinctive new grille…”

Toyota updated the 4Runner’s front and rear fascias for a bolder appearance, which meant modifying the graphics, front grille, and the light housings. The redesigned, smoked headlights switch from halogens to projector-style illumination, and LEDs are incorporated into the head- and retouched taillights. The Limited goes heavier on chrome-plated trim pieces.

5. “Both the SR5 and Trail grades will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a new wheel-design for both…”

Further newness includes newly standard roof racks (a $185 option on pre-2014 models) and backup cameras (previously bundled with a $3100 Convenience Package for the SR5) across the 4Runner range, soft-touch door trim for the SR5 and Trail, front seat memory settings and front sonar parking assist for the Limited, and one additional highway mpg in the EPA ratings. RWD 4Runners are expected to produce 17/23 mpg city/highway against the AWD/4WD’s 17/22.

Toyota asserts 1.98 million 4Runners have been sold since 1984, with more than 75 percent of that population on the road today. With the content revisions and subtle tweaks, we predict the Big T doesn’t need any luck whatsoever to pull clear of the 2-million mark.

Showfloor update:

We’re told the 2010-2013 4Runner Trail, which relied heavily on black-colored, plastic body trim pieces to convey a sense of ruggedness, was polarizing to the customer base. In response, they are now silver. The 17-inch alloy wheels are also more conventionally styled now.

If touching a new door panel is any indication, the 4Runner’s cabin will be a bit softer and more hospitable than it’s ever been before. With more color for the exterior and interior, the 4Runner Trail mix is expected to grow from about 3 percent to 10 percent.

While there’s only the lone Trail edition in existence at the moment, the base SR5 model will be the next to appear in the near future, followed with the topline Limited.

Production is scheduled to begin August 26 in Japan. Dealer arrivals are on a September/October trajectory, depending on the dealer’s location.

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